ok, i understand the needle up and down now. that was what my mom does manually to raise and lower her needle, thanx

I bought a used Bernina from a sewing machine sales and repair shop. Bernina was coming out with a new model and people were trading up. I got lessons there. I love it! 8 years later it works like brand new. However, it is heavy. Since I go to Sit & Sew and a quilting Lock In Nite and other quilting groups - I got tired of lugging it. So I bought a Singer Featherweight. It was made in the 1940's. I bought it at my "home" quilt shop. The owners get them from E-bay and fix them up before selling them. They also showed me how to use it. Now I carry the Featherweight when I go out and use the Bernina at home. I tested to be sure both machines were sewing the same 1/4 inch for seams.

Choosing a machine takes time. I think they each have different pros and cons. When I was beginning, I just wanted one that would go backwards and forwards. I didn't know about self threading and bobbin warnings, etc. You can't miss what you never had. I would start with something simple and trade up as your skills improve.

Good idea to check out used machines at a good repair shop.
I find the needle down option is a necessity.
I really like the stay stitch option too.
You can get a walking foot for any machine.
I have a large throat area and find it is a must if you quilt your own quilts.
Would love to have the Bernina with stitch regulator but cannot afford one.

I love my Janomes!! You can try them out at the dealer's. also, most places will give you lessons if you need them. I have a new embroidery machine (Janome) and I call my dealer with questions all the time. I also stop in when I'm over there and he will show me things on the machine while I am t here. Just tell your dealer you will need lessons--they will be free, of course! Hope this helps

Just had to get my 2 cents in.. I've sewn for YEARS.. but I (did) quilt and piece by hand.. My machine would not handle a quilt.. I was in Target the other day and found a Brother XL3750 that has "quilting features" for only $99. Talked it over with my roommate and decided to get it... I think it's a wonderful machine for a beginner.. be it quilting beginner or stitching beginner.
The handbook is VERY thorough!! and that's important. also if you're just starting to sew on a machine.. a very good basic sewing book is a handy thing to have.. it explains all about fabric, etc and basic machine sewing.. I know that Vogue makes one, as does Singer. Who knows you may want to branch out and make an apron or something down the line. As I said.. just my 2 cents worth. :-)

I have 4 sewing machines. 2 Kenmores & 2 Babylocks. My 1st Kenmore I got about 1970 & it was barely used. Sewed a million miles on it & it still sews great just didn't have a free arm & you had to use a buttonhole attachment with it. Got the freearm Kenmore, built in buttonhole about 20 years ago. Still sews good, mainly use now to sew denium. Got the babylock Quilter's Choice Pro. Love it, couldn't ask for better machine just doesn't do zigzag. Now the queenbee of the bunch is my Babylock Ellure Plus. I got the embroidery thing down but the decorative stitches have given me the blues. Makes beautiful buttonholes. Just put button on the presser foot & it makes it the right size. Decide what you really want to do with it. Do you really need all those decorative stitches or what. I would defintely try some out first. Also note if you buy a sewing machine from Walmart or other discount store, the embroidery machines only do a 4 x4 frame. Not much room for anything. If you want one with more size save it for it because mine only does up to a 5 x7 & I wish I would have saved up more money & bought the next one up.

Take some scrap fabric with you to the store. Ask to sew on that. Most all are dealers have machines set up for demos, but they have fabric with a lot of sizing and it alway sews beautiful. If you mostly use cottons, take those scraps with you. Ask such questions as how do I sew a straigh 1/4" seam??? How many extra feet come with the machine???? What kind of thread should I use??? What kind of needles do I use for ______??? Let the salesperson demo, then ask if you might sew. Don't be shy or imtimidated!!!!!

Thanx. I think I will go cheap at wal-mart or somewhere, my husband says the worst you cab do is break it!! :shock: But if I start out with that then I can get to know what I'm comfortable with and then really go looking around at the dealers for something bigger and better

I would strongly suggest picking up a used older machine at a thrift store or such as that. Good solid machine for quilting, and you don't have to spend much. As you get into it more and then you will know what you want to spend your money on. A lot of quilters have more than 1 machine,
I have 3 machines. My old singer, what a workhorse, and 2 janomes that I really love. Take your time and don't rush into it.
Just my 2 cents worth.
:wink:

If your looking for new, Janome has several smaller light weight machines that are reasonable. Janome Jems. Pretty nice machines, several diffrent machines to choose from. I have one, love it. If you plan on attending any classes, might want to choose something light weight that travels well. My first Janome I bought was the Memory craft 9500, nice machine, love it. kinda pricey, since it embroderys too. Way to heavy to haul around, started taking classes and that is when I bought my smaller one. Much easier to tote up and down stairs and in and out of classes. Food for thought anyway!